Invisible Man Research Paper

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The American Dream

What is the American Dream? Is it the idea that everyone is free and equal? Is it the idea that we can all achieve success based on our merit and our work ethic? The American Dream means different things to everyone. But in a part of everyone’s definition of the American Dream includes the principles in which America was founded on. In theory America is the “Land of the Free”. In actuality America is the Land of the Oppressed. America was supposed to be built on freedoms that every human has a right to. Actually America was built on quite the opposite of freedom; It was actually built on slavery and bigotry. There was once a time when people were not considered human due to the color of their skin. In fact, this was the …show more content…

The unnamed protagonist is one of those who cling to the idea of the American Dream. He knows that he is already at a disadvantage, but it what extent is still unknown to him. The protagonist is the top of his class and after reciting a moving speech to benefactors he receives a scholarship to a black college. During his junior year of college he was expelled for following the orders of a white benefactor of the school. When meeting with the head of the school, Dr. Bledsoe, to discuss his expulsion Dr. Bledsoe informs the protagonist that “the only way to please a white man is to tell him a lie.” This is one of the first times in which the protagonist is shown proof that his merit alone will not be enough for him to become successful. Even Dr. Bledsoe has to pretend in order to please the rich white people who support the college. This shows that even after achieving success and being in a position of power over white people if you are a person of color you still have to act inferior. The requirement of acting inferior is the exact of what the American Dream is supposed to be. The American Dream is supposed to be that we are all equal and can achieve success based on our merits. The protagonist was the top of his class and had immense public speaking skills but yet

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